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How To Land That Dream Internship in the US, From A New York CEO

9 min read

This week we have been in contact with the CEO of Ruby Media Group, in New York, to get some top tips on how to land your dream internship in New York with our Graduate visa opportunity.

Kris Ruby is the CEO of Ruby Media Group, a Public Relations and Social Media Agency. Ruby Media Group helps companies increase their exposure through leveraging social media and digital PR. As a result, the agency is a heavy recruiter of top graduates from around the world. Kris Ruby is frequently on air as a TV commentator and speaks on social media, tech trends and crisis communications.

If anyone knows what employers in New York are looking for a graduate, then it’s her…

Q: Hey Kris, to you, what is the best way to make contact with a company?

Hey, thanks for having me! Firstly, and this may sound obvious but the best way to make contact with a company you are interested in interning with is to use the contact link on their site. If it is a very general contact link, then look up the company on social media. You should definitely also become a “social media detective” to stand out from the crowd of applicants. Follow the key personnel within the company, and even favourite and like their tweets so you are on their radar before you ever even apply. When you do apply, make sure to send a

When you do apply, make sure to send a customised email addressed to the person’s name “Dear X,” instead of “Dear Hiring Manager!”

Q: What are the best (and worst) things you can put on your resume?

Best Thing: Actionable examples of what you were able to bring to a previous employer. Instead of listing what you have done, list how those actions benefited the company. IE- Worked at X company, vs. Worked at X company and secured 6 press placements in national outlets which resulted in 50,000 impressions and increased sales by 25%. See the difference?

Web analytics concept – Multicolor version

Worst Thing: Having every job you have ever had! Make sure your resume is tailored to the job you want to have. Sometimes, it is even better to have a few different versions of your resume depending on the job you are interested in getting. Make it specific for the job you want to get, not the jobs you have previously had. Show you are passionate about working in the field.

Q: Do outside activities and interests matter to you when you’re looking at a resume?

Outside activities and interests are not a primary concern when looking at a resume. They are fine to bring up in an interview, but I am more interested in seeing someone’s previous work history.

Q: What questions should you prepare for in an interview?

The best interview questions come as a result of researching a company. Don’t ask a company- what will I be learning here? Instead, say, “I noticed you do a lot of work in X. I took a look at some competitors in your space and see there is a ripe opportunity to expand market presence in the region for X. Is this something you would be interested in having me work on for you if I got the job?

That’ll grab an employer’s attention in a heartbeat.

Q: When an intern is placed in your company what advice do you have for them to add value?

You become valuable by proposing new solutions to issues that could make your boss’ life easier. Always be one step ahead and on top of things and make yourself a valuable asset to the company by showing your worth instead of telling it.

Q: How early in the year should they start the search?

There is never a wrong time to follow your dreams. Start when something strikes a chord in you that you want to pursue.

Q: What is the best and worst thing about having interns in your company?

The best thing is an intern’s ability to see things from an outside perspective and propose ideas that you may not have thought of.

The most challenging thing is the time management of tasks and projects.

Q: Any other tips you can give our intern hunters?

Leverage social media, including LinkedIn. As you navigate the PR industry, employers will want to see that you are connected on LinkedIn and have recommendations to show your experience. When LinkedIn first appeared on the social media scene, it was primarily to connect job prospects with potential employers.

Today, it is still used for finding new career opportunities, but business owners and individuals looking to promote their services and network with peers also use it. Just like other social media platforms, there is a right way (and a wrong way!) to use LinkedIn.

Kris’ Top Tips On The Job Hunt

Stay professional. LinkedIn is a professional networking platform, not a casual Twitter-like atmosphere, so put your best foot forward. If you wouldn’t say it to a boss, don’t put it on LinkedIn.

Create pages. If you own a business or brand tied around a blog, create a LinkedIn page for you and then one for the company. Don’t lump them together. This establishes your business as its own brand. Add the company logo, news about the developments, etc.

Make an effective profile: Upload a professional looking photo and write a compelling headline, which runs right under your name. Remember, this is the best time to make a good first impression. Use keywords that establish you as a professional in your industry.

Provide content. Post blog content, articles you’ve written or tips from a speech or class you’ve taught that will help others. This establishes you as a thought leader in your field and helps you to build a regular following.

Share posts. LinkedIn is not all about promoting yourself. Some of the most successful businesses work hard at promoting others in their field. Share their posts and congratulate them on their successes. They will appreciate the efforts.

Add visuals. LinkedIn connections love to see what you are up to. Post photos of your new products or when you are teaching a seminar. Info-graphics are also very popular and are shared among other LinkedIn connections, which help to draw more attention to your page. For example, a public relations company recently posted an info-graphic on smart homes. A journalist connection saw the infographic and asked for more information. This lead to an article where the journalist quoted the info-graphic and the publicist’s source.

Update frequently. In order to grow your LinkedIn connections, you need to post regularly. Share an update or publish posts several times a week. Reach out to new potential followers every day.

Export your connections. Once a month, export your LinkedIn connections and drop your contacts a personal email. Chat about opportunities to work together, cross promote or just tell them what’s happening with your business. Ask them for updates on their business.

Join groups. Find groups of interest and interact with the members. For example, if you are a screenwriter, you can join film groups. A dentist? There are dental groups. In these groups, you can share valuable information and learn from others.

Start a group. If you can’t find one that appeals to you or includes people you want to network with, start your own. Again, this will establish you as a leader in your business community and others will flock to join and discover new ideas or partnerships that can work for them too.

Most importantly, stay with it. A strong LinkedIn following takes time to build, so do not give up. Consistency is key.

To find out more about Kris and Ruby Media Group head to her website here.

If you fancy a chat about how to begin your Graduate visa application and get the ball rolling on a fantastic experience interning in America, contact us by email at melanie.young@usit.ie, phone us on 01-6021906 or drop into our Dublin office on Aston Quay.